Doggone it! Look who’s coming back on Hudson & Rex!
Many fans were barking mad when they learned John Reardon (Detective Charlie Hudson) had been told to sit. He claimed he was unceremoniously shunted aside after a leave of absence in Season 7 while undergoing treatment for tonsil cancer. Despite Reardon receiving a clean bill of health and clearance to return to work, producers let it be known that they had moved in “a different direction” and brought in a new actor – Luke Roberts – as another Detective Hudson.
As a result, more comments flooded in at brioux.tv than for any other issue since this site was established nearly 20 years ago. The backlash included plenty of angry “never watching this show again” comments. Fans even voiced their outrage in a $25,000 ad in The Toronto Star.
Thursday in Toronto, City issued a release with the words fans had been hoping to hear:
“John Reardon returns as Detective Charlie Hudson and is reunited with his trusted canine-partner Rex, alongside returning cast members Mayko Nguyen (Dr. Sarah Truong), Kevin Hanchard (Superintendent Joseph Donovan), Justin Kelly (Tech Analyst Jesse Mills) and Luke Roberts (Detective Mark Hudson).”
Season Nine begins shooting next month in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Twelve episodes have been ordered for this series, which Shaftesbury exports to over 100 international countries and territories.
advertisement
“I’m excited to step back into the role of Charlie as Hudson and Rex moves into its next chapter,” John Reardon was quoted in the release. “The series has earned a passionate audience around the world, and I’m grateful for the continued support. I’m looking forward to beginning production on the new season with the cast, crew, creative team, production, and network partners – and to sharing more adventures with Rex and the fans.”
How will Charlie’s absence be explained? Viewers were told that the character was in South America searching for a missing brother. Folks at the station house will be shocked by his return, especially Rex, who’s been getting his share of kibbles and bits from the new guy. Down boy!
“John is a talented actor and we’re incredibly pleased to have him return as Detective Charlie Hudson,” said Christina Jennings, Chairman & CEO, Shaftesbury. “We know that fans missed him and so did we. We look forward to getting back to work and bringing fans an exciting new season.”
Reached for comment, Rex admitted that the time away from his master Charlie has been “ruff,” and he’s glad they’ll now be reunited under the same “woof.”
Hudson & Rex joins 21 returning shows plus two new series on Citytv and Citytv+ next fall for the 2026-2027 season.
